The Four Person Show at La Luz De Jesus Gallery - May 1 2009

THE FOUR PERSON SHOW holds it opening reception at the LA LUZ DE JESUS GALLERY.  La Luz De Jesus Gallery is proud to present the art of JAW Cooper, Lauren Gardiner, Miss Mindy and Lyle Motley.  JAW Cooper's (www.jawcooper.com) work is inspired by curio cabinets and the complexity of natural systems, Cooper creates illustrations using a variety of media. This series of paintings entitled "Daedal" examines the interconnectedness of species, the bizarre adaptations informed by these connections, and the parallel between evolution as a 'problem-solving' process and the creative process in art.  Lauren Gardiner’s (www.laurenfromla.com) tiny acrylic paintings and ink drawings are intricate and intimate portraits portraying each subject’s every lash, wart and twangy hair. Her works observe and explore how people present themselves for posterity as well as how they react in front of a camera. Her use of ambiguous backgrounds, uncomfortable glares and awkward postures, typical of professional portrait photography, produce humorous yet cynical little vignettes that lend a brief glimpse into the human condition. “Royalty Before Surgery” is a look at royalty with facial deformities and the clothes they wear to cover their disfigurements.  Miss Mindy (www.missmindy.com) is believed to be an elf or witch by most of the neighborhood children due to her fondness of cooking spells and toy making. Her affinity for bizarre humor resonates within her books, paintings, shadow boxes, and fluid ink drawings.  The paintings of Lyle Motley (www.lylemotley.com) live in a neighborhood somewhere between words and images, in a place where there is room to reflect, hear and see. Motley’s paintings encourage the viewer to participate and challenge the observer to add their own ideas into the mix. Working predominantly in oils, with forays into drawing, mixed media and sculpture, Motley’s work is mostly figurative, with occasional contextual abstractions. His non-themed show will include works that are predominantly figurative with some pieces that contain contextual abstractions.  The artist opening reception will run from 8pm - 11pm and is FREE and open to the public.  The exhibit will run from May 1 - 31 and the La Luz De Jesus Gallery is located at 4633 Hollywood Blvd. in Los Angeles.  You can get more information online at www.laluzdejesus.com.

The Joe Corso Band at The Oyster House - May 1 2009

THE JOE CORSO BAND hits the stage at THE OYSTER HOUSE in Studio City.  Joee Corso is often described as one of the brightest songwriting talents in Los Angeles.  He music is influenced  by the great storytellers and their ability to translate emotion through verse and song.  Originally hailing from New Haven CT, Joee ventured out West in search of a sound that would incorporate his eclectic musical tastes with tribal rhythms.  Thus The Joe Corso Band took shape with the additional musical talents of Falcon (bass/vocals/keys/noise) and Eric Onofrio aka EO (drums/percussion).  You can check this amazing colaboration  at www.thejoecorsoband.com  and www.myspace.com/thejoecorsoband.  The Music starts at 8pm and is FREE.  The Oyster House is located at 12446 Moorpark Street in Studio City and online at www.oysterhousesaloon.com.

Suzi Gunn's "REVEAL" at The Highlands - May 1 2009

SUZI GUNN presents REVEAL burlesque at it finest at THE HIGHLANDS in Hollywood.  Reveal is a collision of energy, music and movement unlike anything you've ever seen.  This unique experience as an evolution of dance combining 1940's cabaret styles with today's modern movements performed by six professionally trained and amazingly talented dancers from Suzi Gunn's Another Jaw Dropping Productions (www.anotherjawdroppingproduction.com).  There will also be music and burlesque from featured performers of "THE HAPPY SHOP" (www.myspace.com/thehappyshoprox) including Ashleigh Haney (just back from tour singing with Rihanna)  Jessa Settles (VH1's Tough Love)  Lindsay Gort (American Idol) and Kira Turnage (The Dollface Dames).  The Happy Shop is an old-school 1940’s inspired burlesque show with live jazz and super sexy women with comedic flair.  The Show starts at 8pm with a $20 cover or half off if you mention "The Happy Shop" or "Kim" at the door.  For Guaranteed seating, you can make a dinner reservation at $28 for a 4-course meal at (310) 663-9310.  The Highlands is one of Hollywood’s premier dance clubs with multiple dance floors and a great outdoor patio overlooking Hollywood Blvd.  The Highlands is located at the Hollywood and Highland entertainment complex next to The Kodak Theater at 6801 Hollywood Blvd on the top floor.  You can get more info at www.thehighlandshollywood.com.

Jay Nash at Hotel Cafe - May 1 2009

JAY NASH rocks the house at the HOTEL CAFE.  Jay rocks in a very soulful way and every time I’ve seen him has been an awesome show.  He has been described as a mix of John Mayer, Hack Williams, Johnny Cash, Dave Matthews and Jack Johnson combined to create an amazing powerful but down to earth bluesy, folk and indie rock sound.  You can get more info and music downloads at www.jaynash.com and www.myspace.com/jaynash.  Jay will be joined onstage with Pete and J (www.myspace.com/peteandj) with additional music sets by Donovan Lyman (www.myspace.com/donovanlyman), The Dirty Diamond (www.myspace.com/thedirtydiamond) and One EskimO (www.myspace.com/oneeskimo).  Doors open at 7pm with a $10 cover.  The Hotel Café is one of my favorite LA venues and a great place to listen to music and enjoy food and drinks from their café style menu in a cool low key vibe setting.  You can check out the Hotel Café online at www.hotelcafe.com.  The Hotel café is located at 1623 ½ N. Cahuenga Blvd. just south of Hollywood Blvd.

Holly Brook at Genghis Cohen - May 1 2009

HOLLY BROOK debuts new songs from her upcoming album at GENGHIS COHEN.  Holly Brook has had a life long journey with music starting at an early age were she performed at age six with her mother under the name Generations and later after relocating to Los angeles she collaborated with several music greats including Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park on his solo project Fort Minor where she provided vocals on the hit single "Where's You Go" and also worked with artist Duncan Sheik on his new album "Whisper House".  Brook is now emerging on the LA Scene with a new solo album, which is a collection of her own songs that chronicle the chaotic circumstances from past two years of her life. Her voice therapeutically translates pure emotion that results from having the burden of a high-powered magnetic device for personal drama. Through introspective lyrics and mellifluous melodies, she tells the tale of the inner workings of her mind, and paints the picture with a lush sonic palate consisting of lush instrumental arrangements and intelligent chord progressions.  The new album is undoubtedly a momentous accomplishment for Brook.  You can check her out at www.myspace.com/hollybrook and www.hollybrookmusic.com.  There will also be performances by the Hank Schlinger Band (www.myspace.com/hankschlinger) and Rooster Ra (www.myspace.com/roosterramusic).  The Show starts at 8pm with a $7 cover.  Genghis Cohen is a cool place to check out local bands with the extra added benefit that you can order some amazing Chinese cuisine while you watch the show.  Genghis Cohen is located at 740 N. Fairfax Avenue in West Hollywood one block north of Melrose Blvd. go to www.genghiscohen.com for more information.

Stacy Clark at No Future Cafe - May 1 2009

STACY CLARK hits the stage at the NO FUTURE CAFE in Pasadena.  Stacy Clark is an amazing independent Singer/songwriter with a great sound that is a fusion of Folk and electronic which she has dubbed “folka”.  Stacy carefully crafts each song with honest, heartfelt lyrics that she writes about life.  You can hear her at www.myspace.com/ilovestacyclark and www.stacyclark.net.  Stacy will be playing with her full band and will be joined onstage by musical acts One Year Yesterday (www.myspace.com/oneyearyesterday) and Act As If (www.myspace.com/actasif).  The show starts at 8pm with a $5 cover.  The No Future cafe is located at 1500 E. Walnut Ave. in Pasadena and online at www.nofuturecafe.com.

Jenny O at Space 15 Twenty - May 1 2009

JENNY O performs at the ALL TOGETHER NOW event at SPACE 15 TWENTY in Hollywood.  Jenny O is one of the best singer/songwriters waiting to burst on the LA Scene.  For fans of Fiona Apple, J.S. Bach, Mariah Carey, and Joni Mitchell, Jenny O's smooth vocals and brilliance on the piano should definitely put her on your musical radar.  You can check her out at www.myspace.com/jennyo.  All Together Now is a mixed media event introducing emerging female artist.  Featured Artist will include Shelby Duncan (photographer - www.shelbyduncan.net), KT Comkowycz (cinematographer) Jacqueline Suskin (writer/performance artist), Nicole Disson (actor/singer/dancer - http://nicoledisson.blogspot.com), Crystal Moselle (director - www.crystalmoselle.com), Aska Matsumiya (musician/performance artist - www.myspace.com/moonrats).  This is a FREE event running from 7pm - 10pm.  Space 15 Twenty is located at 1520 Cahuenga Blvd. in Los Angeles and online at http://space15twenty.com.

Miles Mosley at The Edison - April 30 2009

MILES MOSLEY hits the stage for the THURSDAYS LIVE MUSIC at THE EDISON.  Miles Mosley is a 27-year-old ‘phenom’ bass and guitar player, vocalist, composer, & arranger trained in classical and jazz whose latest CD “Bear” reflects his cool diverse mix of Brothel Jazz, Hip-Hop, Classical, and Contemporary Rock.  You can check him out online at www.myspace.com/milesmosley and www.milesmosley.com.  The show starts at 8:30 and is FREE.  The Edison will also offer a Depression Era priced (35 cents) specialty cocktail from 5pm - 7pm.  The Edison is one of if not the best downtown LA night spot. Located in the basement of the original Los Angeles Edison Power Building it is a cool time warp to the 1930’s – 50’s. The Edison feature several lounge areas with furniture and spaces created from some of the original power plant machinery, background music and media visuals from the roaring era, and live dance acts throughout the night. You can get more info online at www.edisondowntown.com. Dress code is also STRICTLY ENFORCED so leave your tennis shoes and T-Shirts home. The Edison is located at 108 W. 2nd Street #101 in downtown LA with the entrance in the Harlem Place alleyway.

Them Terribles! at the Silverlake Lounge - April 30 2009

THEM TERRIBLES! rock the house at the SILVERLAKE LOUNGE.   Them Terribles! is a high energy kick-ass punk rock band hailing from Santa Barbara.  Their sound has been compared to a mixture of the Strokes and The Killers and a throwback to the 50’s rebel rock charm and 60’s garage mania.  This is a show not to be missed for all you LA rockers out there as this may be you next favorite band after the show.  You can check them out at www.myspace.com/themterribles.  There will also be a sets by Wye Oak (www.myspace.com/wyeoak) and The Pomegranates (www.myspace.com/pomegranatesart).  The show starts at 8pm.  The Silverlake Lounge is located at 2906 Sunset Blvd. in Silver Lake.

Ernie Halter and Amber Rubarth at The Hotel Cafe - April 30 2009

ERNIE HALTER and AMBER RUBARTH bring some musical Harmonie to the stage at the HOTEL CAFE in Hollywood.  Ernie Halter is an amazing singer/songwriter who mixes blue-eyed soul, pop, and rock in a style that is both familiar, unique and always inimitably Halter.  I’ve heard him a few times and this man doesn't just sing he can really sang.  Check him out online at www.reverbnation.com/erniehaltermusic and www.myspace.com/erniehalter.  Although she's only been playing for a little over 3 years you'd never guess it from her soulful and deep emotional sound.  Amber started her musical journey on a very twisted path which included being an apprentice wood sculptor which in a large way was responsible for launching her musical career when the head sculptor told her "One of the most significant things he ever learned in life was the importance of following your number one passion and not your second or third, because you will only be truly great if you're doing what you really love most" after which she, quit, and told him she was going to learn to play guitar and be a musician.  You can check her out at www.myspace.com/amberrubarth.  Ernie's proceeds will go to help him travel to South Africa where he will be working with the Mocha Club (www.mochaclub.org) to help build a school/daycare/community gathering place and other projects in local townships in Capetown.  Amber will also be celebrating the release of her latest album New Green Lines. There will be additional music performances by Hey Ocean (www.myspace.com/heyocean), Cosio (www.myspace.com/cosiomusic) and Michelle Armstrong (www.myspace.com/miarmstrong).  Doors open at 7:00pm with a $10 cover.  The Hotel Café is LA’s best coffee house style music venues that always has a good rotation of local music artist.  For more info go to www.hotelcafe.com.  The Hotel Café is located at 1623 ½ N. Cahuenga Blvd. in Hollywood.

Company of Thieves at The Knitting Factory - April 30 2009

COMPANY OF THIEVES steal the show at THE KNITTING FACTORY in Hollywood.  While the influences are at times detectable, a little Fiona Apple angst here, a bit of John Lennon's social activism there this band is far from being mere mockingbirds. "That's where the band's name comes from," Guitarist Marc Walloch says. "We've taken what we know and put our own twist on it. It's a kind of 'thievery,' but it's all about paying our respects to what we were inspired by."  Vocalist Genevieve Schatz brings an incredibly emotional, soothing and soulful tone to this amazing ensemble of musical talent.  You can check them out at www.myspace.com/companyofthieves and www.companyofthieves.net.  There will also be musical sets by The Higher (www.myspace.com/thehigher), The Dandelions (www.myspace.com/thedandelionsmusic) and Wendy Darling (www.myspace.com/wendydarlingrock).  The show is All-Ages with doors opening at 7pm and a $10 advance and $12 day of show cover.  The Knitting Factory is also one of “THE” best live venues in Hollywood so you should definitely come check it out if you haven’t been. The Knitting Factory is located at 7021 Hollywood Blvd. in Hollywood and www.knittingfactory.com/kfhollywood online.

The Mighty Regis at Molly Malone's - April 30 2009

THE MIGHTY REGIS bring their awesome Irish rock to the stage of MOLLY MALONE'S.   The Mighty Regis is a high energy Irish Folk Rock band who has lit of the stage at Molly Malone’s for many nights, much to the delight of its patrons out to experience a little bit of the Emerald Isle in La La land.  You can listen to them at www.myspace.com/themightyregis.  There will also be musical performances by Jessie Payo (www.myspace.com/jessiepayomusic) and Craig Range (www.myspace.com/craigrange).  Cover is $6 and doors open at 6pm with music starting at 8pm.  Molly Malone’s is located at 575 S. Fairfax Ave. Los Angeles.  You can check out this rockin Irish Pub at www.mollymalonesla.com.

Brandon James at Universal Bar & Grill - April 30 2009

BRANDON JAMES hits the stage at UNIVERSAL BAR & GRILL.  Brandon James hailing from Toronto, Canada is best known for his classic sense for strong melody and lyric, and is described as a "modern day James Taylor."  Brandon enjoys writing songs about the experiences in his life and those around him, giving his songs an emotional feel that his audience can connect to.  You can check him out at www.myspace.com/bjamesmusic.  The show starts at 8:45pm.  Universal Bar & Grill is located at 4093 Lankershim Blvd. in Universal City and online at http://universalbarla.com.

Annie Stela at the Troubadour - April 30 2009

ANNIE STELA lights up the stage at the TROUBADOUR. Annie is an amazing singer/songwriter hailing from Michigan where she began writing poems and songs in her childhood and later at age 22 ventured out West to spread the wealth of her deeply poetic lyrics and illuminating indie sound.  You can check her out at www.myspace.com/anniestela.  There will also be performances by Low vs. Diamond (www.myspace.com/lowvsdiamond) and Ben Lee (www.ben-lee.com).  Doors open at 8pm with a $15 advance and $18 day of show ticket charge.  The Troubadour has long been one of Hollywood premier music venues and this is a great place to see great bands.  The Troubadour is located at 9081 Santa Monica Blvd. in Hollywood and www.troubadour.com online.

Vaud and the Villains at The Edison - April 29 2009

VAUD AND THE VILLAINS play and encore weekly show at THE EDISON in downtown LA.  Vaud & The Villains have been described as what rock & roll would sound like in the 1930's.  This is more that just your standard band, as this performance troop includes 18 members and 2 dancers blending and mixing multiple music genres, including New Orleans traditional, smokey back-room slow drag, soul, Cajun, and front porch revival show.  You check them out at www.vaudandthevillains.com and www.myspace.com/vaudandthevillains.  The Edison will also have Whiskey Barrel Punch drink specials from 5 - 8pm for $25 punch bowls and $4 individual glasses.  This is a FREE event with doors opening at 5pm and music starting at 8:30pm.  The Edison is one of if not the best downtown LA night spot. Located in the basement of the original Los Angeles Edison Power Building it is a cool time warp to the 1930’s – 50’s. The Edison feature several lounge areas with furniture and spaces created from some of the original power plant machinery, background music and media visuals from the roaring era, and live dance acts throughout the night. You can get more info online at www.edisondowntown.com.  Dress code is also STRICTLY ENFORCED so leave your tennis shoes and T-Shirts home. The Edison is located at 108 W. 2nd Street #101 in downtown LA with the entrance in the Harlem Place alleyway.

Dub Club at The Echoplex - April 29 2009

THE DUB CLUB brings the booty shaking reggae rhythms to the ECHOPLEX in Echo Park. Spinning the best classic reggae, dub and dancehall will be resident DJ’s Tom Chasteen, Roy Corderoy, The Dungeonmaster, and Boss Harmony.  Cover is $5 with doors opening at 9pm.  You can also get more info at www.myspace.com/dubclubla and www.attheecho.com.  The Echoplex is one of the coolest clubs in Echo Park is located at 1822 Sunset Blvd and www.attheecho.com online.

Jesca Hoop at the Hotel Cafe - April 29 2009

JESCA HOOP plays the last performance of her FAREWELL HOOP SHOWS at THE HOTEL CAFE in Hollywood.  Jesca Hoop is a stand out singer/songwriter with a very cool and unique Indie rock sound all her own created by her sultry, smooth, heavenly vocals and equally melodic skills on the guitar.  She is truly a delight to see.  You can get info and also hear some of her songs at www.jescahoop.com and www.myspace.com/jescahoop.  This will be Jesca last show for a while at the Hotel Cafe and LA as she will be moving across the pond to Manchester in May.  There will be additional performances by Thao with The Get Down Stay Down (www.myspace.com/thaomusic) with Samatha Crain (www.myspace.com/samanthacrain) and Sister Suvi (www.myspace.com/sistersuvi) performing earlier in the night and Lay Low (www.myspace.com/baralovisa) performing with Jesca after 10pm.  Tickets are $15 with doors opening for the early sets at 7pm and Jesca and the later sets at 10pm.  The Hotel Café is one of my favorite LA venues and a great place to listen to music and enjoy food and drinks from their café style menu in a cool low key vibe setting.  You can check out the Hotel Café online at www.hotelcafe.com.  The Hotel café is located at 1623 ½ N. Cahuenga Blvd. just south of Hollywood Blvd.

Paper Raincoat at The Roxy Theater - April 29 2009

THE PAPER RAINCOAT hits the stage at THE ROXY THEATER in Hollywood.  The Paper Raincoat is the imaginative musical collaboration of Brooklyn songwriters Amber Rubarth (www.myspace.com/amberrubarth) and Alex Wong (www.myspace.com/donwongdemarco).  Their debut EP Safe in The Sound is an introduction to this fantasy world drawn from real experiences of excitement and solitude its creators shared in moving to New York City.  You can check out The Paper Raincoat at www.myspace.com/thepaperraincoat.  The Paper Raincoat will be joined on stage by the talents of Vienna Teng (www.myspace.com/viennateng) and Ben Sollee (www.myspace.com/bensollee).  The show starts at 8pm with $15 advance and $17.50 day of show tickets.  The Roxy is one of the top rock venues in Hollywood and is located at 9009 W. Sunset Blvd. and online at www.theroxyonsunset.com.

Jay Nash at Zoey's Cafe - April 28 2009

JAY NASH lights up the stage at ZOEY'S CAFE in Ventura.  Jay rocks in a very soulful way and every time I’ve seen him has been an awesome show.  He has been described as a mix of John Mayer, Hack Williams, Johnny Cash, Dave Matthews and Jack Johnson combined to create an amazing powerful but down to earth bluesy, folk and indie rock sound.  You can get more info and music downloads at www.jaynash.com and www.myspace.com/jaynash.  There will also be musical performance by Joey Ryan (www.myspace.com/joeyryan).  The show starts at 7:30pm with a $10 cover.  Zoey’s Café is located at 451 E. Main Street in Ventura and online at www.zoeyscafe.com.

Vaud and the Villains at The Edison - April 28 2009

VAUD AND THE VILLIANS hit the stage at THE EDISON in Downtown LA.  Vaud & The Villains have been described as what rock & roll would sound like in the 1930's.  This is more that just your standard band, as this performance troop includes 18 members and 2 dancers blending and mixing multiple music genres, including New Orleans traditional, smokey back-room slow drag, soul, Cajun, and front porch revival show.  You check them out at www.vaudandthevillains.com and www.myspace.com/vaudandthevillains.  The Edison will also welcome visiting mixologists Alex Day, Death & Company and Richie Boccato, Milk & Honey/Small Branch both from New York City who will be serving specialty drinks for the weekly cocktail event The Radio Room.  Tickets are $10 with doors opening at 5pm and music starting at 8:30pm.  The Edison is one of if not the best downtown LA night spot. Located in the basement of the original Los Angeles Edison Power Building it is a cool time warp to the 1930’s – 50’s. The Edison feature several lounge areas with furniture and spaces created from some of the original power plant machinery, background music and media visuals from the roaring era, and live dance acts throughout the night. You can get more info online and buy tickets at www.edisondowntown.com.  Dress code is also STRICTLY ENFORCED so leave your tennis shoes and T-Shirts home. The Edison is located at 108 W. 2nd Street #101 in downtown LA with the entrance in the Harlem Place alleyway.

Joel Eckels & Paper Sun at Room 5 Lounge - April 28 2009

JOEL ECKELS & PAPER SUN return to the stage as they conclude their TUESDAY APRIL RESIDENCY at ROOM 5 LOUNGE.  Joel is an outstanding singer/songwriter with bluesy funk rock south and a soulfully raspy voice.  Joel started the Paper Sun project in early 2000 as a vehicle to express his musical inspiration. At the end of that year, he moved to Los Angeles intent on forming a band. What transpired over the course of the next 8 years was that PAPER SUN became an open-book biography of Eckels' life and experiences. The musicians who joined Eckels not only contributed to the musical growth of the band but also contributed to those stories Eckels now sings about that tell of life, love, loss and soul.  Today the band includes Joel Eckels (guitar, vocals) Babyhead (bass, uprightbass) Chris Lovejoy (drums, percussion) Carson Cohen (keys, bass) Deron Johnson (keys) and Dawn Thomas (backing vocals). You can check them out at www.myspace.com/joeleckelsofpapersun and www.myspace.com/papersun.  There will also be sets by Jason Damato (www.myspace.com/jasondamato) and Joe Greene (www.myspace.com/averagejoegreene).  Doors open at 7:00pm with a $6 cover.  Room 5 is a great Hollywood lounge featuring a great food and drink menu and although it’s off the major trendy Hollywood scene strips it is definitely worth checking out.  Room 5 is located at 143 N. La Brea Ave. on the second floor in Hollywood and online at www.room5lounge.com.

Saint John and the Revelations at Fais Do Do - April 28 2009

SAINT JOHN AND THE REVELATIONS light up the stage at FAIS DO DO.  Saint John has experienced much in his life and musical journey over the years and the lyrical and emotional depth of his music reflects this. His latest effort "Mercy" is a melancholic but honest soul-searching musical journey.  You can check out Saint John and some of his music at www.myspace.com/saintjohnandtherevelations.  There will also be a musical set by Alex Hobbs (www.myspace.com/alexhobbsmusic).  Doors open at 8:30 with a $5 cover.  Fais Do Do is located at 5257 W. Adams Blvd. in Los Angeles and online at www.faisdodo.com.

Dusty Rhodes and the River Band at the Silverlake Lounge - April 27 2009

DUSTY RHODES AND THE RIVER BAND lights up the stage at THE SILVERLAKE LOUNGE.  Dusty Rhodes and the River Band is an amazing sextet hailing from southern California although if you've heard them before you'd swear they were snatched from the mountains of Kentucky as they blend roots rock, bluegrass, Country, gospel and even some 70's progressive rock sounds like they were made to go together.  With lyrics and music that are both thought-provoking at one moment and foot stomping the next Dusty Rhodes establish themselves as a good time, feel-good party band with a flurry of accordion welding, violin toting, banjo twanging, mandolin plucking and harmonica puffing backing epic vocal-led interludes.  You can check them out at www.myspace.com/dustyrhodes.  There will be additional music sets by Olin and the Moon (www.myspace.com/olinandthemoon), Leslie & the Badgers (www.myspace.com/leslieandthebadgers) and Divisadero (www.myspace.com/soundsofdivisadero).  This is a FREE show starting at 9pm.  The Silverlake Lounge is located at 2906 Sunset Blvd. in Silver Lake and you can get more information at www.foldsilverlake.com.

Austin Hartley Leonard at Room 5 Lounge - April 27 2009

AUSTIN HARTLEY LEONARD adds his soulful sound to the SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND at ROOM 5 LOUNGE.  Austin Hartley-Leonard’s soulful country-folk sounds smooth without being glossy, charged with emotion without coming across as contrived. Country can be a dangerous word to throw around, but this music is sure to appeal to hipsters and high school girls as well as cowboys.  You can check him out at www.myspace.com/austinhl.  Austin will be joined onstage by the talents of Jay Nash (www.myspace.com/jaynash), Brian Wright and the Waco Tragedies (www.myspace.com/thewacotragedies) and Brother Sal (www.myspace.com/thebrothersal).  Doors open at 7:00pm with a $6 cover.  Room 5 is a great Hollywood lounge featuring a great food and drink menu and although it’s off the major trendy Hollywood scene strips it is definitely worth checking out.  Room 5 is located at 143 N. La Brea Ave. on the second floor in Hollywood and online at www.room5lounge.com.

Andrew Paul Woodworth at The Viper Room - April 27 2009

ANDREW PAUL WOODWORTH hits the stage for the MUSEXPO INTERNATIONAL MUSIC SHOWCASE at the VIPER ROOM.  Andrew Paul Woodworths voice might be descibed as the love child of Michael Jackson, Eddie Vedder and Jeff Buckley with a sound that is emotional and entranced by melody, but never soft and powerless.  Andrew presents a kaleidoscope of different styles in his songwriting ranging from light-on-it's-feet and radio worthy to introverted and melancholy and on to playfully complex harmony lines.  You can check him out at www.myspace.com/andrewpaulwoodworth and www.andrewpaulwoodworth.com.  There will also be performances by Gin Wigmore (www.myspace.com/ginwigmore), Sorgente (www.myspace.com/sorgentemusic) and Addeboy vs. Cliff (www.myspace.com/addeboyvscliff).  Doors open at 7:30pm and you can get more info on the MusExpo International 2009 at www.musexpo.net.  The Viper Room which is one of Sunset Strips cool and infamous live music joints is located at 8852 Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood and www.viperroom.com online.

The Dittybops at McCabe's Guitar Shop - April 26 2009

THE DITTY BOPS bring their amazing folk rock sound to the stage at MCCABE’S GUITAR SHOP.  The Ditty Bops have an amazing Rock and American Folk sound with amazing vocal provided by the dynamic duo of Amanda Barrett and Abby DeWald.  Seeing them live is a cool experience as each set has a particular theme and the band dresses accordingly, you can see this on their website photo gallery.  You can check them out at their cool site www.thedittybops.com and www.myspace.com/dittybops.  This is an All-Ages show with tickets going for $20 and on sale online HERE, by phone at (310) 828-4497 or at the door.  The Ditty Bops will be doing two shows at 7pm and 9pm.  McCabe’s is located at 3101 Pico Blvd. in Santa Monica an online at www.mccabes.com.

Lady Danville at The Talking Stick - April 26 2009

LADY DANVILLE performs at the AHIMSA COLLETCTIVE: ART FUNDRAISING EVENT at THE TALKING STICK in Venice.  Lady Danville is an amazing folk pop Trio consisting of Michael Garner, Dan Chang and Matthew Frankel who complement their A Capella roots with equally skilled and soulful instrumental accompaniment.  You can check them out online at www.myspace.com/ladydanville.  The Ahimsa Collective (www.ahimsacollective.com) is an organization devoted to spread non-violence through art by sharing all kinds of work with the world and creating communities thriving with creativity.  The music starts at 7:30pm with a $4 donation cover.  The talking stick is located at 1511 Lincoln Blvd. in Venice and online at www.thetalkingstick.net.

Pink & Noseworthy at the Hotel Cafe - April 26 2009

PINK & NOSEWORTHY perform at the HOTEL CAFE in Hollywood.  Pink & Noseworthy, a cool indie neo-folk trio from Los Angeles, consists of singer-songwriters Shanee Pink, Mark Noseworthy and Ran Pink. Shawnee and Mark meet during a recording session for a song penned by Shanee at the beginning of her solo effort.  Mark contributed precious guitar work, giving the recording a sound that both Shanee and her brother, producer Ran Pink, connected with immediately.  After the instant creative bond that propelled a two-month whirlwind of songwriting, jamming and recording that culminated in their eponymous debut album, Shanee and Mark began touring as a duo under Pink & Noseworthy which later became a trio when they were joined onstage by the talents of Ran Pink.  You can check out their amazing sound at www.myspace.com/pinkandnoseworthy and www.pinkandnoseworthy.com.  There will also be musical performances by Lisa Donnelly (www.myspace.com/lisadonnellymusic), Libbie Schrader (www.myspace.com/libbieschrader), Cindy Harvell (www.myspace.com/cyndiharvell) and Mitchell's Folly (www.myspace.com/mitchellsfolly).  Doors open at 7pm with a $10 cover.  The Hotel Café is one of my favorite LA venues and a great place to listen to music and enjoy food and drinks from their café style menu in a cool low key vibe setting.  You can check out the Hotel Café online at www.hotelcafe.com.  The Hotel café is located at 1623 ½ N. Cahuenga Blvd. just south of Hollywood Blvd.

JAB, STRONG, FIERCE - A Street Fighter Tribute Art Exhibtion at Nucleus Gallery - April 25 2009

THE NUCLEUS GALLERY presents the Opening Reception for JAB, STRONG, FIERCE - A STREET FIGHTER TRIBUTE ART EXHIBITION.  In celebration of the new installment in the Street Fighter Franchise (SF4), and the debut of a new Street Fighter movie, Gallery Nucleus with support from CAPCOM, I am 8-bit, Udon Entertainment, have teamed up to bring you “JAB STRONG FIERCE a Street Fighter Tribute Art Exhibition” Known to be the greatest fighting game ever created, Street Fighter has become more than that. With the passing of time, it still grips the hearts of a whole generation and nostalgia has turned SF into a pop culture phenomenon. This exhibition explores these various pop themes featuring high quality fan art to more conceptual works. On mutated memories and sentimental attachments, an impressive and diverse roster of artists whose work or life has been influenced by the classic video game will offer their unique perspectives through drawings, paintings, and interactive installations.  Other features for the event will include a Cosplay and Costume Competition, SF4 Tournament for cash prizes and Raffle giveaways.  For fans of the Street Fighter franchise, this ultimate tribute event should not be missed.  The reception will run from 7pm - 11pm and is FREE with complimentary refreshments and music by Ronikus.  There will be a $35 entry fee for the Street Fighter 4 tournament.  The exhibit will run from April 25 - May 11 and the gallery is open 7 days a week.  The Nucleus Gallery is located at 210 East Main Street in Alhambra.  For more information on Nucleus and the event visit www.gallerynucleus.com.

Renaissance Pleasure Faire at Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area - April 25 2009

THE RENAISSANCE PLEASURE FAIRE brings fantasy and fun to the fields of the SANTA FE DAM RECREATION AREA in Irwindale.  The Renaissance Pleasure Faire returns to Los Angeles bringing 16th century music, magic, food, fun, and events for all ages.  You are invited to explore the sites and sounds of an exotic port town, cheer on a band of battling knights, Flirt with a lovely wench or dashing young rogue and join her Royal Magesty Queen Elizabeth I on a grand visit to an amazing 16th century Faire.  Swashbuckling Heroes, Merry Minstrels, Dashing Daredevils, Dancers, Jugglers, and hundreds of Colorful Characters fill our twelve stages and bustling streets bringing you non-stop entertainment throughout the day.  The Faire will run from April 4 - May 17 on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am - 7pm.  Tickets are $25 at the gate or $21 advance purchase for Adults age 13+, $15 at the gate or $13.50 advance for Children ages 5 - 12 and FREE for children under 5.  You can get more information at www.renfair.com/socal.  The Renaissance Pleasure Faire is located at 15501 E. Arrow Hwy in Irwindale at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area.

Chris Pierce and Shane Alexander at Zoey's Cafe - April 25 2009

CHRIS PIERCE and SHANE ALEXANDER double team for an amazing musical night of Love and Soul at ZOEY'S CAFE in Ventura.  Chris is an amazing guitar player and equally talented singer with an incredibly soulful sound. His stage presence is truly captivating and the musical message is always positive and inspiring. You can get more info and check out some of his latest tracks on his website www.chrispierce.com and www.myspace.com/chrispierce.  Shane Alexander is truly standout singer/songwriter talent who brings a classic troubadour style to a modern indie rock sound.  This guy is really damn good and worth checking out.  You can listen to him online at www.myspace.com/shanealexander and www.shanealexandermusic.com.  The show starts at 8pm with $15.75 tickets.  Zoey’s Café is located at 451 E. Main Street in Ventura and online at www.zoeyscafe.com.